Fabio Capello reveals which two defenders Jose Mourinho wanted to sign this summer

Over the summer, Jose Mourinho made it no secret he was in the market for a central defender.

Despite bringing in both Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof during his reign, United’s boss felt they were lacking in quality.

While executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward did not sanction a move for either Harry Maguire or Toby Alderweireld, it seems they may not have been Mourinho’s top choices.

Former England boss Fabio Capello has revealed United had their eye on two Serie A defenders.

Jose Mourinho’s hunt for a defender

It was heavily reported over the summer that United were planning a £70million swoop for the 25-year-old Maguire.

The Red Devils was also linked with a move for Belgian international Alderweireld, but both deals failed to materialize.

However, speaking in the week, Capello mentioned two other names Mourinho was interested in bringing to Old Trafford.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, the 72-year-old revealed United had their sights on both Milan Skriniar and Kalidou Koulibaly.

“I met Mourinho during a meeting between managers last summer,”

“He wanted to sign two defenders, one was [Inter’s] Milan Skriniar, the other one was [Napoli’s] Koulibaly.”

Unable to bring any new defensive options in over the summer, Mourinho is having to make do with what he has at his disposal.

Conceding three goals against both West Ham and Brighton so far this season, they hold the joint worst defensive record in the top half of the table.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Felipe Anderson of West Ham United scores the opening goal pass David De Gea of Manchester United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s poor start to the season

Coming off the back of their 0-0 draw with Valencia in midweek, there is increasing pressure on Mourinho’s position at Old Trafford.

This is the first time in the Portuguese tacticians’ career that he has gone four games without a win.

Sat 10th in the Premier League table, United are already nine points adrift of their bitter rivals.

Next, United will face a struggling Newcastle side before a tough run of games that sees them face both Mourinho’s old side Chelsea and Juventus.

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